Arivaca Lake

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Arivaca Lake is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, and White-winged Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/6/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026The Ice House2 observed

Bell's Vireo (Arizona)

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Anza Trail--Carmen (Clark Crossing Rd)1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

3/6/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay (Woodhouse's)

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/6/2026Rock Corral Canyon2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

3/5/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

3/5/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

83/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

303/5/2026

White-winged Dove

33/5/2026

Mourning Dove

53/5/2026

American Coot

1503/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Eared Grebe

13/5/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

83/5/2026

Great Egret

23/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Gila Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

23/5/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

103/5/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

13/5/2026

Common Raven

43/5/2026

Verdin

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arivaca Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Arivaca Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Arivaca Lake?
Notable species at Arivaca Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arivaca Lake?
Birding at Arivaca Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Arivaca Lake?
Arivaca Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.